Carex comans Milk Chocolate

Carex comans 'Milk Chocolate' is a lovely Irish selection of a persistent New Zealand grass called sedge. Unique with its bronze colour tinged with milk chocolate and pink in spring, it is equally remarkable for its dense, tousled, airy and trailing mane-like appearance, adorned with discreet metallic reflections. It harmonises with autumn colours, becoming more coppery in cold weather. A perennial with a tufted base, this non-invasive ground cover adds character to contemporary or wild landscapes and can easily be grown in pots and planters.

Carex comans is a grass native to New Zealand, particularly the Stewart Islands, where it grows in clear undergrowth and forest edges, thriving in well-drained soils, coastal areas, and subalpine meadows. It belongs to the large Cyperaceae family.

'Milk Chocolate' is a fairly recent variety that distinguishes itself from the species by its broader and more spreading habit, as well as by the richer and more nuanced colouration of its foliage. The very fine, linear leaves, 50cm (20in) long, are strongly arched and form a fountain-like shape, reaching a height of 40cm (16in) and a diameter of 45 to 50cm (18 to 20in). In spring, their colour is a light brownish-pink in the centre, silver at the tips. In summer, the overall colour is a beautiful dark bronze tone, shining with silver reflections. The flowers appear in June and July and are a reddish-brown colour, but have no significant ornamental interest.

This hardy and undemanding plant thrives in the sun and adapts to many growing conditions, but dislikes waterlogged soils. Plant it in a sheltered position, above a rockery or a wall, so that the foliage can cascade freely. For example, combine it with grey-blue foliage, such as Heuchera 'Green Spice', Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears', and oregano 'Rosenkuppel'. The acid green flowers of Euphorbia myrsinites, the small purple pompoms of ornamental garlic, and the corollas of poppies will enhance the brilliance of its warm-coloured foliage. Resourceful gardeners can use this plant to create unique decorations, such as placing several pots of Carex comans at different levels on a wooden structure. At the base of this structure, plant some annuals like marigolds, red salvias, purple morning glories, and blue lobelia.